Castles encourages all clients to continuously back data up by some automated method - but should the need arise where you have sustained a crash and data needs to be recovered from the hard drive, we suggest you use our strategic partner DriveSavers in Novato, California.

DriveSavers Recovery Services

Discover the results of working with a company committed exclusively to data recovery. We combine our nearly 20 years of experience with our innovations in technology to create thousands of customized solutions for clients worldwide.

• Authorized by all drive and media manufacturers to maintain original hard drive warranties.
• Advanced proprietary hardware and software techniques enable us to recover data others declare is lost forever.
• Professional Class 100 clean room provides immaculate conditions to maximize recovery success.
• Extensive parts inventory means hardware replacement will never delay or defeat our retrieval efforts.
• Fastest standard turnaround time in the industry at 24 to 48 hours, including online file retrieval within minutes after recovery is complete.
• Immediate telephone access to professional recovery advisor's and engineers — no automated routing system, no waiting on hold.
• Firm estimates will never exceed the maximum amount quoted — no up front fee required, no hidden clean room or parts fees ever.
• Guranteed experience with your hardware and software through our exhaustive background in all storage devices and operating systems.

• Phone toll free 1-800-440-1904 and refer to reseller code DS16063 and receive 10% discount on services.
• No up-front charges
• No "Attempt Fee" if data is not recoverable, there is no charge (a $200 savings).
• No charge for return shipping if data is not recoverable      
  

• Evaluating your unique situation
• Deciding what course of action to take
• Relieving panic and stress common in data loss crises

• Avoid attempting recovery yourself on severely traumatized drives (i.e., turning your computer off and on, using over-the-counter diagnostic tools), as doing so may cause further damage or permanent data loss.
• Identify your situation from the hyperlinks below and follow the important precautions in handling your damaged drive.

Head Crash / Unusual Noises

Clicking, grinding or scraping noises indicate a head crash — the read/write heads have come into contact with the media surface, causing severe destruction.

Situation/Symptoms
Unusual noises - clicking, grinding, metal scraping.

What to Do
1) If booted up, back up any critical files.
2) Shut down the computer and DO NOT reboot.

Why
Extensive physical damage and permanent data loss can occur in a short period of time if a drive is left running.

Power Outage / Surge

Of all the natural disasters, power outages are the most common cause of data loss. Since the most severe damage to your drive occurs when power returns, follow the advice of DriveSavers President, Scott Gaidano: "If the power suddenly goes out, drop to the floor and pull the plugs!"

 
What to Do
1) Unplug all cords to your computer to prevent further damage (i.e., AC/power, modem, printer, network).
2) After the power returns, wait at least 30 minutes for the power to stabilize before turning your equipment back on.
3) Purchase an uninterruptible power supply (battery back up) and surge suppressor to protect your computer from future power failures.

Why
Extreme power fluctuations can damage electronic components and cause the drive’s read/write heads to write erratically to the media surface, resulting in data corruption.

Water Damage

Only one drop of water can short out your computer. Whether an errant spill from a coffee cup, or, in this case, complete submersion in the Amazon River for days, DataSavers has the technology to recover your data.

Situation/Symptoms
Water damage

What to Do
1) Immediately turn computer off and DO NOT reboot!
2) DO NOT dry the wet drive or media; place in a plastic bag with an airtight zip closure.

Why
1) While the drive may seem dry, small amounts of water may linger on internal or external components causing a short when powered on.
2) Dried water leaves mineral deposits and other contaminants on the media surface that can lead to a head crash when powered on.

Fire

What to Do
1) If the computer is wet from fire hoses, remove the wet hard drive, DO NOT dry, and place in a plastic bag with an airtight zip closure.
2) If the drive is "sealed" in a melted computer, leave it intact.

Why
1) Extreme pressure changes during a fire can pull water and contaminants inside the drive through small air vents.
2) Dried water leaves mineral deposits and other contaminants on the media surface that can lead to a head crash if powered on.

Virus

The HPS or Hanta virus activates on Saturdays and will flip bitmap files, including the Windows 95 logo

Situation/Symptoms
Virus — blank screen, unusual messages, unusual behavior

What to Do
1) Use anti-virus software to remove the virus.
2) If your data is not accessible after removal, do not run a commercial utility. Contact DriveSavers for professional recovery.

Why
1) Software may remove a virus, but it does not always reverse its damaging effects on your data, which may remain inaccessible.
2) Virus damage can be severe enough that a commercial utility can cause further damage and make data recovery more difficult.

Impact Trauma

Physical external trauma can damage the sensitive internal components of a hard drive. Further damage can occur in SECONDS if you reboot. If you can’t afford to lose the data, don’t power up.

Situation/Symptoms
Impact Trauma (dropped, run over) — physical damage, unusual noises (clicking, grinding, scraping), drive not recognized, drive won't spin

What to Do
Turn off immediately and DO NOT reboot.

Why
Trauma can damage the read/write heads and media surface, cause misalignment, and at worst, a head crash.